GLOBAL DIGITAL LEADERS CONVERGE FOR WORLD SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

GENEVA, July 6–10, 2026– Uganda is participating in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026, one of the world’s most influential platforms for shaping the future of digital development.

Convened by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with more than 50 United Nations agencies, the Forum brings together governments, regulators, the private sector and development partners to advance an inclusive, people-centred and development-oriented information society.

The 2026 edition is co-hosted by the ITU and the Government of Switzerland and takes place from 6–10 July 2026, with sessions held at ITU Headquarters and at Palexpo in Geneva.

For more than two decades, the WSIS Forum has served as the premier multistakeholder platform for reviewing progress on the WSIS Action Lines while fostering dialogue on emerging issues such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, digital public infrastructure, connectivity, online safety, data governance and digital skills. It provides countries with an opportunity to share experiences, influence global digital policy discussions and forge partnerships that support national digital transformation agendas.

Uganda’s Participation

Uganda’s participation at WSIS Forum 2026 reflects the country’s continued commitment to leveraging digital technologies as a driver of socio-economic transformation and achieving the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDPIV) and the Digital Transformation Roadmap.

As Uganda’s communications sector regulator, UCC will join global policymakers, regulators, development partners and industry leaders in discussions on how countries can build inclusive, secure and sustainable digital ecosystems while ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

A key highlight of Uganda’s participation will be the engagement of the Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, in the prestigious Leaders TalkX Roundtable on “Skills for the Future: Leading Inclusive Capacity Building” on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The high-level dialogue will explore how governments, regulators and development partners can strengthen digital skills, build institutional capacity and equip citizens with the knowledge required to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

The Executive Director will also participate in the Regulators’ Roundtable, where communications regulators from across the world will exchange experiences on emerging regulatory priorities, evolving technologies and collaborative approaches that promote innovation while protecting consumers and ensuring trusted digital ecosystems.

In addition, UCC will contribute to technical and policy discussions during thematic sessions including:

• Skills for the Future: Leading Inclusive Capacity Building, which focuses on expanding digital skills, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting inclusive participation in the digital economy.
• Green Digital Action: The Road between COP30 and COP31, which explores how digital technologies can support climate action, environmental sustainability and resilient digital development while addressing the environmental footprint of the ICT sector.

Advancing Uganda’s Digital Transformation Agenda

Participation in the WSIS Forum presents an important opportunity for UCC to share Uganda’s experiences in expanding connectivity, strengthening digital inclusion, promoting meaningful access to ICTs and developing policy and regulatory frameworks that support innovation and sustainable growth.

The engagements will also enable the Commission to benchmark international best practices, strengthen partnerships with global institutions and identify emerging opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital skills development, digital public infrastructure and green digital technologies.

As digital technologies continue to reshape economies and societies, global collaboration remains essential in addressing shared challenges, including misinformation, online safety, cybersecurity risks, widening digital divides and the responsible governance of emerging technologies.

Expected Outcomes

Through its participation, UCC expects to:

• Strengthen Uganda’s contribution to global digital policy and regulatory discussions.
• Build strategic partnerships with international organisations, regulators and development partners.
• Gain insights into emerging policy and regulatory approaches for Artificial Intelligence, digital governance and future communications technologies.
• Promote knowledge exchange on inclusive digital skills development and capacity building.
• Advance collaboration on sustainable and environmentally responsible digital transformation.
• Support Uganda’s continued implementation of the WSIS Action Lines and the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

As the global digital landscape continues to evolve, UCC remains committed to ensuring that Uganda not only keeps pace with international developments but also actively contributes to shaping an inclusive, innovative and secure digital future.

WSIS 2026 WEBSITE: https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2026/